The latest figures from the DVLA also reveal many other drivers who have over twice the permitted penalty points but have not been banned due to a data sharing issue between the DVLA and the Courts Service. Failing to give the identity of the owner, speeding, and driving uninsured are the most common reasons for points.

The figures have been highlighted by the IAM, with chief executive Simon Best commenting: ‘It's really disappointing to see that this issue has not yet been resolved. DVLA and the Courts Service are upgrading their computer systems to ensure that offence information is shared more efficiently, but this is not due to be in place until October. When drivers with 10 speeding offences are getting away with holding a licence, these improvements cannot come quickly enough.

‘The IAM has no sympathy for owners who refuse to reveal the identity of the driver, and we would welcome an urgent consultation on new ways to deal with this problem. Drivers must expect that 12 points means a ban or the whole system falls into disrepute.’